:: Theories ::

Introduction to sociology. [The word ‘introduction’ may make this subject seems easy, but actually it is the other way round. Introductory subject means you are to cover and study the whole issues in it, with no concentration field at all. ]

Today’s lecture is regarding the structural functionalism and conflict theory, concerning on each division’s view towards the society. How I wish I can express the remarkably-enjoyable moment I’ve spent for today’s lecture! I can hardly tell it verbally.

For a while, I sort of possessing the notion that how unfortunate we are to be given the chance to study a certain subject in just 3months ++, and together with other 5-6 subjects. The time constrain often forces us to learn unenthusiastically. At the same time, the intention will not be for the sake of the knowledge itself, instead to catch up with the syllabus as well as to translate understandings into words, rather than into actions. We don’t have enough time to delve deeper into what we are studying. In short, I might say that some students are theoretically excellent yet practically blind. Anyhow, what to do… Learning simply a subject for the whole semester promises you to stay much much longer in the university, and that’s what I’m afraid of!

Off with that thinking.

Now let me clarify the definition of the theories first.

Structural functionalism: A framework for building theory that envisions society as a complex system whose part works together to promote solidarity and stability, as well as equilibrium (balance). It views the society horizontally.

Conflict theory: A framework for building theory that envisions society as an arena that generates conflict and change, as well as fight. It views the society vertically.

In a simpler explanation,

* Structural functionalism views the society as a very good and nice society.
* Conflict theory views the society as an inequality and often struggle.

Definitely the discussion on this topic is longer and more complex. That’s why I will just provide two issues as examples, in order to show how these two theories work differently.

1st Issue: We treat the doctors and garbage collectors obviously in a totally different manner, as well as they were given highly different remunerations (salary) although their jobs are almost similar; dealing with sickening and nauseating stuffs.

Structural functionalists will say: “This is what we call functional. [Means there’s no problem at all]. It takes enormously uphill struggle for a person who intends to be a doctor. He sacrifices 5 to 6 years studying [sometimes longer], without being paid, learning the difficult subjects, and finally serves the nation. That’s why the society should reward and acknowledge him. On the other hand, garbage collector is a person who can be trained merely within a week. He didn’t sacrifice as much as the doctor.”

Conflict theorists will say: “This is not okay! Garbage collector also serves the nation very much. You see, even the Prime Minister cannot live properly without him.” J

2nd issue: Crime

Structural functionalists will say: “Hmmm, crime might be bad, but it is also functional. Without crime, there will be no police, court, prisons and so on so forth”. Thus, crime is okay. J [Since it seems like contributing in maintaining the society institution.]

Whereas, the conflict theorists will say: “Crimes always happen because the upper class takes too much from the lower class, making them feel oppressed and are forced to commit crimes such as stealing and killing.”

It is clear that in structural functionalism, every action [in the society] is okay, nice and attached with no problem at all. [Note: they don’t like to talk about changes] On the other hand, in conflict theory, most actions are likely to motivate fights and struggles.

So what do you think, which one is correct and which one is wrong?

Or, maybe you think both are wrong…? Well, you are free to make judgments.



Extra notes:

Some of the structural functionalists are Emile Durkheim, August Comte, and Robert K. Merton.

Some of the conflict theorists are Karl Marx and Max Weber.